tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90819565296474655782018-03-06T08:53:24.671-08:00North Vancouver HomesBloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-45857238272336761102010-04-15T20:58:00.000-07:002014-10-17T12:30:30.890-07:00The "Big One" and Parallels<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8hu297Y5kI/AAAAAAAAAac/vC0j-37W_BY/s1600/bubble.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8hu297Y5kI/AAAAAAAAAac/vC0j-37W_BY/s640/bubble.JPG" height="494" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460736438802376258" style="display: block; height: 309px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We have all heard the warnings about "The Big One", which is destined to cause massive damage to Vancouver and surrounding areas. Like others, I interpreted this as reference to the risk we take living on or near the San Andreas Fault, and the devastating earthquake which experts claim could hit any minute. Now I'm convinced that "The Big One" more aptly describes the long anticipated and often denied bursting of the Vancouver and perhaps National real estate bubble.</div><br /><div><u>A brief recap of 2008</u><br /><br />Vancouver has a history of being a boom bust market, with the most recent plunge occurring in 2008. For those who have forgotten, <a href="http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=396ccc45-94ef-46cf-a1ce-c0346551c413&amp;k=98966">according to RBC</a>, in the third quarter of 2007 Vancouver broke free of its past limitations and became its most unaffordable ever! No, not 1981, the year which everyone loves to hear campfire stories about, 2007.<br /><br />What came next was thought <a href="http://vancouvercondo.info/">by many</a> well overdue. The <a href="http://yellowroad.wallstreetexaminer.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/case-shiller-chart-updated.png">US housing bubble burst</a> years earlier and Vancouver's market was by far the most expensive in Canada, while not even nearly having the <a href="http://www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca/web/files/images/median-family-income-in-cad-cities-pub-vs-2006_0.jpg">household income levels</a> to support it. <a href="http://mortgage.calculatorscanada.ca/mortgage-rates" target="_blank">Mortgage Rates</a> began to inch up and finally the buyers stopper buying. I was selling real estate at the time and I can tell you first hand, in May things just shut down. You can see from the charts below that listings soared and buyers vanished. The supply of housing inventory went from about 3 months, to well over 20 months within half of a year.<br /><br /><strong>Inventory:</strong></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8ftr2XHQwI/AAAAAAAAAZc/mBsVlpUMCuA/s1600/sales_22709_image002.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8ftr2XHQwI/AAAAAAAAAZc/mBsVlpUMCuA/s400/sales_22709_image002.gif" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460594410792633090" style="display: block; height: 238px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Sales</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8ft72tCIEI/AAAAAAAAAZk/uHVjjxsc0Os/s1600/sales_23900_image002.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8ft72tCIEI/AAAAAAAAAZk/uHVjjxsc0Os/s400/sales_23900_image002.gif" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460594685762478146" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 237px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />The outlook was grim for our housing market as you can see with this clip from Global news in 2008, prices were falling like a stone:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAsjo1vesI4&amp;feature=player_embedded">GLOBAL NEWS OCT 2008</a><br /><br />What happened? Well, our buddies down south kind of coaxed the world into a massive global recession and rates fell so fast and so hard that the competitive 6.29% 5 year term dropped to well under 4% with variable rates in the 2's. The massive global recession, stock market collapse and surging unemployment were not enough to curb Vancouverites and investors of their voracious appetite for real estate. The result..? In a frenzy of sales activity prices raced up 20%, right back to their previously unsustainable highs.<br /><br /><u>Parallels</u><br /><br />Here we are. April 2010 and we just reached another milestone. The price for a detached single family home in Vancouver just eclipsed <a href="http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100406/vancouver_100406/20100406?hub=Canada">1 million dollars</a>. Bravo Vancouver! OK, enough celebrating...Let's lay our eyes on a few of these beauties.<br /><br />Grow your buds in style in this pot grower's paradise in Southlands<br />SOLD: $1,340,000<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8f3DyryjNI/AAAAAAAAAZs/slGiO44ed8Q/s1600/southlands.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8f3DyryjNI/AAAAAAAAAZs/slGiO44ed8Q/s400/southlands.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460604717727124690" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 312px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />With this Arbutus home you are sure to be the envy of your friends<br />SOLD: $1,700,000<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8f3dQwzKnI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/mZcCdYKM45U/s1600/arbutus.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8f3dQwzKnI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/mZcCdYKM45U/s400/arbutus.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460605155297929842" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 312px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />Who wants Dunbar? You too can have your own little slice of heaven<br />SOLD: $1,920,000<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8f3n003meI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/0daVc8-qqUk/s1600/V820036_101_12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8f3n003meI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/0daVc8-qqUk/s400/V820036_101_12.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460605336777365986" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />Anyways, we have prices right back up to where they were, and the kicker is the listings are beginning to pile up again. Actually this time it's <a href="http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2010/15/c2617.html">happening faster</a> than in 2008. In the GVRD we currently have almost <a href="http://vancouvercondo.info/2010/04/huge-prices-drive-listing-boom.html/all-comments/">16,000 homes</a> listed for sale which is trending towards at least 1000, if not 2000 more homes for sale than the end of April 2008.<br /><br />Current inventory level:<br /><em>Chart courtesy of Vibe</em><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8f6BS_xsfI/AAAAAAAAAaE/-wK82RYSqX0/s1600/total_rebgv_inventory.png"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/S8f6BS_xsfI/AAAAAAAAAaE/-wK82RYSqX0/s400/total_rebgv_inventory.png" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460607973396165106" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />Sales have also been on a tear. The sales numbers could come in as one of the strongest Aprils on record. This would normally provide a weakness in my assertion that housing prices will fall, but the rush from buyers can be attributed to a few very good reasons, all bearish. The most serious is rising mortgage rates. We have been spoiled by record low rates for many years now and the consensus is that they <a href="http://www.financialpost.com/news-sectors/story.html?id=2910632">will continue to climb</a> as the Bank of Canada rises rates and bond yields increase. To top it all off we have the new <a href="http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100413/bc_mortgage_rates_100413/20100413?hub=BritishColumbia">CMHC rules</a> and the ever popular HST is on its way.<br /><br />The point of this note is not to tell anyone to buy or not to buy, but to counter all the bubble denying that has hit the media lately. The interview with <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/investment-ideas/features/lets-talk-investing/housing-bubble-or-not/article1529213/">Will Dunning</a> (mortgage salesman) really irked me when Will blatantly denied a real estate bubble by concluding that since there has been no speculation (funny because Finance Minister <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/business/mortgage+rules+target+select/2716066/story.html">Jim Flaherty disagrees</a> <a href="http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=11b663fd-84f4-4afd-b601-4d46a0224dbc&amp;k=84965">as does REMAX</a>) and there has been no risky lending (<a href="http://www.financialpost.com/news-sectors/story.html?id=2784846">Canadian subprime problem</a>) there is no bubble, thus we can all chill out.<br /><br />Buying real estate or anything worth hundreds of thousands dollars warrants diligent research. This message is hardly comprehensive but hopefully it can help someone make a more balanced purchasing decision. Don't buy the hype! Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-12089486424001049672009-01-23T16:32:00.000-08:002013-07-31T12:29:26.343-07:00What now?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/SXp5462FPMI/AAAAAAAAARQ/d5PhGyKZNdI/s1600-h/Reality+Chec_qjpreviewth.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294678330703166658" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sDCKFPKKvO0/SXp5462FPMI/AAAAAAAAARQ/d5PhGyKZNdI/s400/Reality+Chec_qjpreviewth.jpg" style="float: left; height: 213px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" width="400" /></a>Rather than post a poll I figured I would post something new. So let's see how long I can stretch out this simple question. Here I go...<br /><br />The Vancouver real estate market entered a severe slowdown in 2008. After a lacklustre spring market we reached a point at which the slowing sales and mounting inventory combined to end price gains. Prices have fallen every month since April (Benchmark SFH) and the economy has gotten far weaker since the "correction" began.<br /><br />All things come to an end. The bubble has burst, and we will recover. However with the economic weakness bearing down on us, this year does not look good. Interest rates are falling rapidly which is great news for our market. Unfortunately, I don't think it's enough. There are far too many storm clouds on the horizon, and we may have to weather an economic hurricane before we see a rainbow. <br /><br />Real estate has proven itself a tremendous value for long term wealth creation but it's not always the best time to buy. <br /><br />How do you think this will play out? Will we get a dead cat bounce this spring? Will we flatline for a few years? We will rush to new price highs this spring? You tell me. Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-79506632002964835432008-11-28T17:32:00.000-08:002013-08-01T06:37:42.187-07:00November Inventory and Sales --updated--<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gssC88zAEjE/UfpkPnmHh4I/AAAAAAAAAHY/T2nnVHvcWK8/s1600/frustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gssC88zAEjE/UfpkPnmHh4I/AAAAAAAAAHY/T2nnVHvcWK8/s320/frustration.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br />This month really was the pits for Realtors and home sellers. REBGV home sales are down about 70% compared with last November and the MOI has roared to over 22 Months. Inventory has started to shrink and will continue to reduce as we approach the year end. Now the speculation begins as to how high the listing count will climb this spring. <br /><br />Today we are faced with 76% higher inventory than the same time last year (19,524 v. 11,114). This number combined with the horrendous sales numbers (915 v. 2884 last November) has stomped out any of the last few burning embers of this market... Okay, that was a bit harsh but at Novembers sales pace it would take over 22 months to clear out our existing inventory v. 3.85 MOI in Nov. 2007. Wow, what a different market. <br /><br />The good news is that affordability is improving. Lots of previously priced out Vancouverites may now be able to afford to buy a home in Vancouver! Prices are falling and if you look hard enough you can find some excellent buys, however you may want to sit on your hands for a while longer. <br /><br />For now let’s all enjoy the holiday season! There are some serious sales going on this season and not only on houses and condos:). Have a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrKe9-RgxfE/UfpkQN_kOnI/AAAAAAAAAHU/u6M1gdjQV78/s1600/pricessssssssssssssss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrKe9-RgxfE/UfpkQN_kOnI/AAAAAAAAAHU/u6M1gdjQV78/s400/pricessssssssssssssss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Months of Inventory (MOI)</strong> Sucks to be Squamish<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ReyOlTV740/UfpkPCR7umI/AAAAAAAAAHI/S3gAasfwZJ0/s1600/20081128-MOI.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ReyOlTV740/UfpkPCR7umI/AAAAAAAAAHI/S3gAasfwZJ0/s400/20081128-MOI.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Listings +76% YOY</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ5svM6nOYM/UfpkPFwriCI/AAAAAAAAAHE/dSJK5k1gN68/s1600/20081128-listings.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ5svM6nOYM/UfpkPFwriCI/AAAAAAAAAHE/dSJK5k1gN68/s400/20081128-listings.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Sales -70% YOY</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5PBa8h5R2Y/UfpkPOAfQ2I/AAAAAAAAAG8/9pVh2PcOsdk/s1600/20081128-sales.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5PBa8h5R2Y/UfpkPOAfQ2I/AAAAAAAAAG8/9pVh2PcOsdk/s400/20081128-sales.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>UPDATE</strong><br /><br /><strong>Prices are falling sharply. Believe it or not the average SFH price fell 10% this month. Yes in 1 month. $745,778 for November v. $825,206 for October. The average has dipped 19% since March. It will be interesting to see if the benchmarks also make a dramatic drop.</strong>Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-48444651381266840442008-09-29T10:08:00.000-07:002013-08-01T06:20:54.662-07:00September ReportSeptember proved to be an exciting month for me, being voted Best Realtor by you all in the <a href="http://www.straight.com/bov2008">Best of Vancouver contest</a> and then being quoted in the <a href="http://www.macleans.ca/business/markets/article.jsp?content=20080924_24660_24660">Macleans cover story</a> on housing. <br /><br />Unfortunatly our real estate market reality is pretty dull. More of the same market trends we've seen over the last many months: high inventory,lower sales and falling prices. Inventory has roared to 21,002 listings(+72% YOY) and sales continue to be well off from last year but an improvment MOM at 1619( -45% YOY). The MOI (months of inventory)has also stayed very high at 13 months compared with 4.4 months last Sept. <br /><br /><strong>INVENTORY</strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNEKUCXYwxQ/UfpgXzSCteI/AAAAAAAAAGY/aAOM-h8QHNw/s1600/REBGV-Total-Listings.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNEKUCXYwxQ/UfpgXzSCteI/AAAAAAAAAGY/aAOM-h8QHNw/s400/REBGV-Total-Listings.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><strong>SALES</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tM_SR8cI-LQ/UfpgX6lTrQI/AAAAAAAAAGk/ELfPAUD9z1A/s1600/REBGV-Sales.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tM_SR8cI-LQ/UfpgX6lTrQI/AAAAAAAAAGk/ELfPAUD9z1A/s400/REBGV-Sales.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>MOI</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-caTEa-iXGIM/UfpgX2jVywI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vxcfMt9DXzY/s1600/MOI.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-caTEa-iXGIM/UfpgX2jVywI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vxcfMt9DXzY/s400/MOI.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Do you think that the stock market bloodbath will have any affect on our local real estate? Will investors sell in fear of a global recession? Or perhaps put money back into tangible assets like real estate? <br /><br />All sub area inventory charts here: <a href="http://www.nvcondos.ca/aPage.jsp?aPageId=3">INVENTORY</a>Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-68463682104709594662008-09-12T11:19:00.000-07:002013-08-01T06:03:27.021-07:00Months Of Inventory<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSsEUWHYZQ0/UfpcPLtrviI/AAAAAAAAAGE/XqoZydWMzd8/s1600/MOI.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSsEUWHYZQ0/UfpcPLtrviI/AAAAAAAAAGE/XqoZydWMzd8/s400/MOI.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />These numbers are for August. <br /><br />It looks like my home town of North Vancouver is one of the better markets to be selling a home right now. For such a large market, West Vancouver is struggling. What will September bring? Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-20016031322090814622008-07-21T10:20:00.000-07:002013-08-01T05:56:19.141-07:0020,000 Listings. Is this the top??? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViYARXPe6gM/Ufpa2ahwOuI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Cy_eLBep7-Q/s1600/shocked-people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViYARXPe6gM/Ufpa2ahwOuI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Cy_eLBep7-Q/s1600/shocked-people.jpg" /></a></div><br />We just hit 20,000 listings in the REBGV and the trend would point to even more homes for sale this fall. Currently were up over 60% in YOY inventory and on track for 70%+ by month end. We saw prices decline last month and many feel prices are destined to continue moving downward. We will likely see well over 8 MOI (months of inventory) at month end compared with 3 MOI at the end of last July. <br /><br />Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Does cheering a price correction make you a pessimist? I guess it depends entirely on your current position. <br /><br />One thing is for certain, home prices we're growing at a rate that could not be sustained. Now our market is re balancing. I personally would not want to be holding a bunch of pre-sales right now. <br /><br />What does this mean for buyers and sellers?<br /><br />Sellers: <br /><br />Price sharply. Don't get greedy. <br /><br />Buyers:<br /><br />Prepare to hold long term, and take this opportunity to negotiate favourable terms. Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-41784429224363058992008-05-29T21:43:00.000-07:002013-08-01T05:56:51.228-07:00May 2008 Inventory and Sales SummarySpring market eh? Well the chill in the air has cooled our Vancouver real estate market. The only thing red hot this spring is the growth of listings. <br /><br />Last week we saw the sell/list ratio strengthen over early May, although not significantly. Let's see if we can get a healthy S/L for June.<br /><br />Sales are down a startling 29% compared with May 2007, and even dipped under last month’s sales. For some perspective last year May 07 sales gained 28% over April 07 sales.<br /><br />We started 2008 with slightly less inventory than 2007.We are currently up 39% over last year, and 69% over May 30th 2006.<br /><br />What are you seeing out there? Keep on posting! <br /><br />Here are some visuals: <br /><br /><br /><strong>REBGV Sales: </strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTdv7iwT-Q/UfpUiQJahoI/AAAAAAAAAEw/X63Xhh6qOxo/s1600/REBGV-Sales-2005-2008.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTdv7iwT-Q/UfpUiQJahoI/AAAAAAAAAEw/X63Xhh6qOxo/s320/REBGV-Sales-2005-2008.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>Listing Inventory:</strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>REBGV: +39%</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sy08G19PJR0/UfpUiSHWU7I/AAAAAAAAAEU/p1kLbzie-gs/s1600/REBGV-Total-Listings-2005-2008.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sy08G19PJR0/UfpUiSHWU7I/AAAAAAAAAEU/p1kLbzie-gs/s320/REBGV-Total-Listings-2005-2008.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong>Van West: +63%</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gY9TVcWE9Q/UfpUi1h9b_I/AAAAAAAAAEk/TC8ktYj0IUE/s1600/Vancuver-west-2005-2008.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gY9TVcWE9Q/UfpUi1h9b_I/AAAAAAAAAEk/TC8ktYj0IUE/s320/Vancuver-west-2005-2008.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong>Van East: +27%</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C32mm4N6OAM/UfpUivNqrNI/AAAAAAAAAEc/gOdx4t0ofN4/s1600/Vancuver-east-2005-2008.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C32mm4N6OAM/UfpUivNqrNI/AAAAAAAAAEc/gOdx4t0ofN4/s320/Vancuver-east-2005-2008.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>North Van: +81%</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdulZBHKkak/UfpUiYG_eCI/AAAAAAAAAEM/FNAYX1fx040/s1600/Vancuver-North-2005-2008.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdulZBHKkak/UfpUiYG_eCI/AAAAAAAAAEM/FNAYX1fx040/s320/Vancuver-North-2005-2008.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><strong>West Van: +57%</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1MkOdR7dS8/UfpUjcVuesI/AAAAAAAAAEs/ybxUZJrXhbQ/s1600/West-Vancuver-2005-2008.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1MkOdR7dS8/UfpUjcVuesI/AAAAAAAAAEs/ybxUZJrXhbQ/s320/West-Vancuver-2005-2008.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />All inventory charts will be updated for the 31st: <a href="http://www.nvcondos.ca/aPage.jsp?aPageId=3">INVENTORY CHARTS</a>Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-47405988940368492402008-05-08T15:11:00.000-07:002013-08-01T05:56:44.429-07:00What's become of the million dollar house?I remember a time not too long ago that a cool million dollars bought you an amazing home. Some may have even uttered the word "mansion". I realize that "amazing home" is a relative term, but let's do one last quick jaunt across Canada and see what's become of the exclusive million dollar house. <br /><br />We will check out "mansions" in PEI, Montreal Quebec, Toronto Ontario, Saskatoon Saskatchewan and 2 entries from BC: Kelowna and East Vancouver (Van West is impossible). <br /><br /><br /><strong>Toronto Ontario: $1,000,000 </strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y73NJo1FYaQ/UfpYg3LEi5I/AAAAAAAAAFk/m9M70QODa6Q/s1600/20080508-toronto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y73NJo1FYaQ/UfpYg3LEi5I/AAAAAAAAAFk/m9M70QODa6Q/s1600/20080508-toronto.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Fabulous Custom Built, 4-Bedroom 2-Storey Apprx 4200 Sq Ft * Large Double Door Entry, Enter The Massive Foyer, Circular Stairs To Basement, Skylight &amp; Large Windows, Bright Open Concept Layout, Sunken Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Finished Basement, Beautiful Wet Bar, Ideal For Entertaining, Situated On A Premium 60 X 160 Ft Lot ...<br /><br />MLS listing here: <a href="http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&amp;SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26bt%3d1%26aid%3d6368%252c6369%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6248%26mp%3d1000000-1500000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&amp;Mode=0&amp;PropertyID=6966791">LISTING</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Saskatoon Saskatchewan: $939,900</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1h5KMfyTpdQ/UfpYg_Rxo7I/AAAAAAAAAFo/VmYIJ9wZ-gM/s1600/20080508-sask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1h5KMfyTpdQ/UfpYg_Rxo7I/AAAAAAAAAFo/VmYIJ9wZ-gM/s1600/20080508-sask.jpg" /></a></div><br />Jaw Dropping Beauty only begins to describe tis custom built Northridge home. Located in desirable Briarwood on a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance to parks and lake. The endless and flawless features of this home are sure to go beyond all expectations. With a large chef's dream kitchen with 10' ceilings and all the fixings it opens up to the great room with 18' ceilings, huge windows, gas fireplace and hardwoods...<br /><br />MLS listing here: <a href="http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&amp;SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26bt%3d1%26aid%3d6321%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6321%26mp%3d900000-1500000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&amp;Mode=0&amp;PropertyID=6960437">LISTING</a> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Montreal Quebec: $999,000</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfeDnZlunGg/UfpYgT6ID6I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/fdUEMnby8eE/s1600/20080508-montreal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfeDnZlunGg/UfpYgT6ID6I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/fdUEMnby8eE/s1600/20080508-montreal.jpg" /></a></div><br />Discover a UNIQUE MANSION... This magnificent 1914 residence built on a 30 000 s.f. land offers a 6,000 s.f. living space. An annexe to the original house enhances its spaciousness, with separated entry, that can be used for personal or professional purposes. Ask for a visit !<br /><br />MLS listing here: <a href="http://passerelle.centris.ca/redirect2.aspx?CodeDest=LACAPITALE&amp;NoMls=MT1368863&amp;Source=WWW.MLS.CA&amp;Lang=">LISTING</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>P.E.I: $950,000</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OwEWjgUP0c/UfpYgWKBEyI/AAAAAAAAAFM/J9C0hlDBTiI/s1600/20080508-pei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OwEWjgUP0c/UfpYgWKBEyI/AAAAAAAAAFM/J9C0hlDBTiI/s1600/20080508-pei.jpg" /></a></div><br />Top quality home situated in the prestigious New Glasgow Resort and Golf Club. This beautifully appointed home features 6 bedrooms, &amp; 5 baths. Over 6000 sq ft of top quality living space. Splendid landscaping, spectacular views. This home comes with 2 lifetime memberships to New Glasgow Hills Golf Club...<br /><br />MlS listing here: <a href="http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&amp;SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26aid%3d6241%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6241%26mp%3d900000-1000000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&amp;Mode=0&amp;PropertyID=6455173">LISTING</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Kelowna BC: $969,900</strong><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxE1Cg7iiaM/UfpYgQHW1yI/AAAAAAAAAFI/8cKinNDAdoo/s1600/20080508-kelowna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxE1Cg7iiaM/UfpYgQHW1yI/AAAAAAAAAFI/8cKinNDAdoo/s320/20080508-kelowna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A spectacular executive residence located on one of the most sought after streets in Kelowna. Offering over 4000 sqft of spacious living that is ideal for family living and entertaining. Nestled beside and buffered by a large natural green space, adding tons of appeal to this already spectacular property. <br /><br />MLS listings here: <a href="http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&amp;SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26bt%3d1%26aid%3d1803%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d1787%26mp%3d950000-1000000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&amp;Mode=0&amp;PropertyID=6903603">LISTING</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Vancouver BC: Van East $998,000</strong> Living the dream ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-LraLixriU/UfpYhIgIuVI/AAAAAAAAAFc/Au-Zpz8JyVw/s1600/20080508-vaneast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-LraLixriU/UfpYhIgIuVI/AAAAAAAAAFc/Au-Zpz8JyVw/s320/20080508-vaneast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Truly a gem in the Cambie/ Main area. Freshly painted exterior leads to an excellent Main floor plan with spacious L/R &amp; D/R's, large country style kitchen plus den/bdrm. Up has 3 bdrm &amp; huge funky bathroom. Down is a 2 bdrm mortgage helper(925/mo). Terrific shopping/dining/antiques area. Kids go to Wolfe Elementary &amp; Hamber Secondary.<br /><br />MLS listing here: <a href="http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&amp;SearchURL=%3fPage%3d2%26Mode%3d0%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26bt%3d1%26aid%3d6576%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d3547%26mp%3d950000-1000000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&amp;Mode=0&amp;PropertyID=6897019">LISTING</a>Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081956529647465578.post-52490956540603532252008-04-16T11:02:00.000-07:002013-08-01T05:12:20.788-07:00500-600k cross country single family home comparison To change things up I decided to put together a post to compare 500k-600k homes across a few of Canada's provinces. I looked at Charlottetown PEI, Montreal Quebec, Toronto Ontario, Kelowna BC and of course the best place on earth ;)...Vancouver BC. <br /><br /><strong>Toronto Ontario: $568,000</strong><br /><br />Renovated House.$$$ Spent On Upgrades. Great Income Property. More Then $2000 Profit From 2 Level. Bsmt With 2 Sep. Entrances, 5 Bedrooms In The Bsmt. Big Lot W/Beautiful Trees. Great Location! Perfect Neighbourood! Close To Everything-Synagouges, Ttc, Plazas, Gorgeous Park &amp; ...**** EXTRAS **** New Fridge, New Stove, B/I Dishwasher, New Washer, New Dryer, All Elf's, All Window Coverings, All Furniture In Bsmt, Fridge, Stove, Washer, Dryer In Bsmt. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmQenyhZY7c/UfpPcH49jfI/AAAAAAAAADo/aEg1hRje0mo/s1600/Toronto-ON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmQenyhZY7c/UfpPcH49jfI/AAAAAAAAADo/aEg1hRje0mo/s1600/Toronto-ON.jpg" /></a></div><br />MLS listing here: <a href="http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&amp;SearchURL=%3fPage%3d25%26Mode%3d0%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26bt%3d1%26aid%3d6367%252c6368%252c6369%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6248%26mp%3d500000-600000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&amp;Mode=0&amp;PropertyID=6727988">Listing</a><br /><br /><strong>Montreal Quebec: $509,000</strong><br /><br />IMPRESSIVE COTTAGE ON A PRIVATE, WELL LANDSCAPED AND FENCED 16,354 S.F.LOT WITH CIRCULAR UNI-STONE DRIVEWAY.MINUTES DRIVE TO BRIDGE + SHOPS.TOP QUALITY CONSTUCTION THROUGHOUT. BRIGHT,SPACIOUS ROOMS; HARDWOOD + CERAMIC FLOORS; LUXURIOUS BATHROOMS; PROFESSIONALLY FINISHED BASEMENT.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aLf6V4Pg2A/UfpPb83tAKI/AAAAAAAAAD4/fhLi90Bd6KY/s1600/Montreal-Quebec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aLf6V4Pg2A/UfpPb83tAKI/AAAAAAAAAD4/fhLi90Bd6KY/s1600/Montreal-Quebec.jpg" /></a></div><br />MLS listing here: <a href="http://passerelle.centris.ca/redirect2.aspx?CodeDest=REMAX&amp;NoMls=MT1400141&amp;Source=WWW.MLS.CA&amp;Lang=">Listing</a><br /><br /><strong>Kelowna BC: $549,500</strong><br />Investor alert. Mortgage helper! 2 bedroom home with 2 bedroom carriage house. Fenced yd. Includes al appliances for both.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1BxFaiznWo/UfpPb7H-8lI/AAAAAAAAADc/sc9u5ukB8Nw/s1600/Kelowna-BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1BxFaiznWo/UfpPb7H-8lI/AAAAAAAAADc/sc9u5ukB8Nw/s1600/Kelowna-BC.jpg" /></a></div><br />Looks almost on par with Vancouver affordability wise. 860 sq.ft dream house ;)<br /><br />MLS listings here: <a href="http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&amp;SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26bt%3d1%26aid%3d1808%252c1809%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d1803%26mp%3d500000-600000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&amp;Mode=0&amp;PropertyID=6887555">Listing</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>P.E.I: $550,000</strong><br /><br />30 mins from Charlottetown is this beautiful home:<br /><br />Waterfront Luxury Home in Prime Stanley Bridge area. Complete with guest cottage, access to the ocean, a power boaters dream paradise. Professionally decorated and landscaped inside and out. House and Garden magazine candidate.<br /><br />--I believe it's a 5 bed 4 bath--<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdDwrH65rmI/UfpPb014ulI/AAAAAAAAADk/DTlaJjmJKxw/s1600/P.E.I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdDwrH65rmI/UfpPb014ulI/AAAAAAAAADk/DTlaJjmJKxw/s1600/P.E.I.jpg" /></a></div><br />More photos and information here at the Realtors site: <a href="http://www.michaelshomes.com/granville/">Michael</a><br /><br /><strong>Vancouver BC: Van East $558,000</strong><br /><br />All sizes and ages are approx only, buyer to verify if important to buyer. 2 bdrms up &amp; 2 bdrm. Thompson High School. Desirable Knight area. Easy access to downtown and airport. Close to shopping and bus. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNl1ZIbcf1o/UfpPcYxgFII/AAAAAAAAAD0/Sv22EWqEqPw/s1600/Vancouver-BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNl1ZIbcf1o/UfpPcYxgFII/AAAAAAAAAD0/Sv22EWqEqPw/s320/Vancouver-BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As can be expected a detached 500-600k SFH search in Vancouver does not allow us many options. "Desirable knight street".LOL! <br /><br />MLS listing here: <a href="http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&amp;SearchURL=%3fPage%3d3%26Mode%3d0%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26bt%3d1%26aid%3d6576%26MapURL%3d%253fAreaID%253d6576%26mp%3d500000-600000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&amp;Mode=0&amp;PropertyID=6887930">Listing</a>Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03784942656579192711noreply@blogger.com